Testing and Inspection

Using photoelasticity, a polarimeter system measures birefringence and detects unacceptable gradients of stress in clear and translucent plastic products. If unseen, such defects could cause cracking, warpage, reduced material strength, and failure of such products as medical-grade tubing, implants, prosthetics, and other devices. To perform fast and easy inspection of strain and stress patterns, the PS-100 Macrovideo system consists of a laboratory-quality polarimeter equipped with a color CCD video camera featuring 10:1 zoom magnification and a 17-in., high-resolution color LCD monitor. It is also offered without the video camera and monitor and can be customized according to customer requirements. The system is compliant with the ASTM D4093 standard test method.Strainoptics Inc.North Wales, PAwww.strainoptics.com

Suitable for use in medical device manufacturing, a company’s x-ray systems employ an energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis method for coating-thickness measurement. Software for the FischerScope x-ray fluorescence instruments allows for simultaneous thickness measurement and analysis of complex coating systems. Also offered by the manufacturer is the FischerScope MMS, a universal measurement system designed to test coating thickness and materials according to magnetic, magnetic-induction, Eddy current, beta backscatter, and electrical-resistance measuring methods. In addition, a line of coating thickness gauges measure overferrous, nonferrous, or both nonferrous and ferrous substrates using a selection of interchangeable probes.Fischer Technology
Windsor, CTwww.fischer-technology.com

Compliant with IEC 60601-2-2, an analyzer conducts safety and performance production-line testing of electrosurgical devices. The 377 model is equipped with a variety of user-friendly custom settings designed to expedite testing and ensure accuracy. Features include built-in memory, a full-color display, easy-to-understand graphics, an array of internal resistors ranging from 10 to 5100 Ω in 10-Ω steps, and a rotary encoder that enables remote electrode monitoring. Additionally, Bluetooth-enabled connectivity allows for fast and convenient downloading of test data and uploading of the device’s power curves and the manufacturer’s test-specific programs.Rigel Medical
Peterlee, County Durham, UKwww.rigelmedical.com

A tester is designed to perform spray-quality assessment for such medical applications as metered-dose inhalers and atomizers used in drug-delivery and stent-coating processes, among others. The SDS 3’s spray characterization method provides more-informative indicators than traditionally used indices, such as spray-uniformity index and patternation index, for assessing spray pattern quality, according to its manufacturer. In turn, the company claims that the system increases expressiveness and objectivity of measurement data. To perform spray pattern measurements, the system is designed with a Spray Diagnostic arm that features a laser and CCD camera head. This configuration allows for accurate positioning in relation to the spray being measured and facilitates easy adaptation to various testing scenarios.ioos systems LLC
San Diegowww.ioossystems.com

Electrodynamic Systems Perform Micromechanical Testing

A 24-bit controller allows a company’s testing systems to perform accurate low-force measurement and control tests on such medical devices as implants, biological samples, and components. Ultra-low-force load control, submicron position control, slow and high speeds, static and fatigue tests, and multiaxis tests—including planar biaxial and axial torsion—are configured according to customer requirements. Among the company’s product offerings is the 840 micromechanical all-electric model, which conducts uniaxial tests ranging from 0.0001 to 2500 N. The firm also supplies R&D equipment in addition to standard systems for tensile, compressive, flexural, torsional, indentation, dynamic characterization, fatigue, and impact testing.TestResources Inc.
Shakopee, MNwww.testresources.com